Are you aware that your emotions can cause a decline in your physical health? Research shows that emotions tend to be felt in the body in ways that are generally consistent from one person to another, regardless of age or sex.

Dr. Susan Babel, a psychologist who specializes in trauma-induced depression, wrote in Psychology Today: “Studies have shown that chronic pain might not only be caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues. Often, physical pain functions to warn a person that there is still emotional work to be done.” Find here below a great reference guide for the emotional triggers of physical pain.

1. Pain In Your Head

Pain in your head, like headaches and migraines, can be triggered by the stresses of day to day life.

Dr. Christina Peterson says that “Stress and emotional triggers are common migraine triggers.” Your headaches may just be the result of taking on too much in your day-to-day life. Unnecessary stress can be the cause of that thumping in your skull. Taking time out to relax today may be the best solution. Maybe even head to a spa for the day to let all that unwanted tension disappear.

2. Pain In Your Neck

Pain in your neck may be an indication of having trouble with forgiveness of others, or even yourself.

Lori D'Ascenzo, Reiki practitioner and expert in kinesiology, says that “Your neck is where you hold guilt and self-recrimination.” Pain in your neck may mean you are having trouble forgiving yourself and that you are judging yourself too harshly. Now might be a great time to make a list of all the things you love about yourself. If you are feeling guilty about something you've done to someone else, now would be the perfect time to apologize and clear the air. Loving yourself and finding forgiveness may be the actual keys to this pain in the neck.

3. Pain In Your Shoulders

Pain in your shoulders may indicate that you're carrying a real emotional burden.

Professional kinesiologist Ros Kitson says that “Our shoulders are where we carry our burdens. We talk about ‘shouldering a problem' and this is exactly what we're doing when our shoulders tense up and cause us pain.” This may be the perfect time to let the problem solving fall to someone else for a change. If you are taking on more than your fair share of the burden at work, it may just be time to let your co-worker know you need a little help.

4. Pain In Your Upper Back

Pain in your upper back may indicate that you're coping with a lack of emotional support.

Self-help author and life coach Ronda Degaust, says that “The upper back has to do with feeling the lack of emotional support. You may feel unloved or you may be holding back your love from someone else.” This would probably be a great time to reach out to loved ones and strengthen those relationships. If you're single, it might even be a good time to jump head first into the dating scene. A little bit of love may just go a long way with that upper back pain.

5. Pain In Your Lower Back

Lower back pain may mean you're worrying too much about money, or lacking in emotional support.

Dr. Mark W. Tong, who has a doctorate in natural healing, says “Money and financial [issues] can be tied to back pain.” Similar to the lack of emotional support causing upper back pain, the lack of financial support may be putting unnecessary strain on your lower back. This may be a good time to ask for that overdue raise at work. You might even want to reevaluate your spending habits so you aren't putting stress on yourself when the bills arrive each month.

6. Pain In Your Elbows

Pain in your elbows has a lot to do with resisting changes in your life.

Dr. Alan Fogel writes in Psychology Today, “All emotions have a motor component.” When it comes to elbow pain, the soreness may have more to do with your own resistance to change than it does to bumping your funny bone. Stiffness in the elbow may mean you are being too stubborn or “stiff” in your daily life. This might be the perfect time to compromise with your partner over an ongoing argument. Maybe try out that new coffee place your friend has been suggesting. Change and compromise may just be your new best friends.

7. Pain In Your Hands

With your hands, you reach out to others and connect. If you're feeling hand pain, it could mean that you're not reaching out enough.

Lori D'Ascenzo, Reiki practitioner and expert in kinesiology, says that “Hands reach out to others. Are you stifling your need to reach out and connect with others?” An inability to connect with others may be the cause of that palm pain. Working on making new friends might be your best path moving forward. Maybe it's time to make an effort to meet the new neighbors. Maybe have lunch with a co-worker rather than dining alone. Connections may just be the key.

8. Pain In Your Hips

Sore hips could be a sign that you're too resistant to changes and moves. It may also show a caution toward making decisions.

Self-help guru and founder of Beyond Affirmations Barbara Clark writes, “Fear of movement can manifest as stiffness or pain in the hips – fear of moving into our future or of a change in the direction of our lives.” Your sore hips may just be a sign that you are resistant to moving forward or making major decisions. This may be the time to open that new business you've been thinking about — or maybe write that book that you've always wanted to write. Moving forward may be the key to releasing you from hip pain.

9. Pain In The Knees

Knee pain can be a lot of different things, but it can be a sign of a big ego.

Lawrence Michail, writer about traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, says “Briefly, knee problems may be said to indicate being stuck in the Ego, too proud to bend.” You may be giving yourself too much credit right now and that may be getting in your way. Chronic knee pain may be a result of an overactive ego. Now might be a good time to practice being humble. Maybe give credit for a job well done to a co-worker. You may need to resist the urge to brag if you want that soreness to alleviate.

10. Pain In Your Calves

Calf pain is likely triggered by emotional tension of some kind.

Dr. Laura Perry writes on her blog, “Trigger points in the calf muscles are also very likely to become activated by stress or emotional tension.” In this case specifically, jealousy and resentment may be causing the emotional tension behind your calf pain. This might be a good time to let go of old grudges and jealousies. Jealousy may be causing your sore calves, but it is also likely keeping you from appreciating what you have. Let it go!

11. Pain In The Ankles

Pain in your ankles may be a sign that you're depriving yourself of pleasure.

Author Jill Douglas, writes in her book My “Plane” Truth, that “Ankles represent the ability to receive pleasure.” Self-help guru Kathy Hadley writes the exact same thing verbatim. For some reason you may be resisting the more pleasurable aspects of life and this may be the cause of your chronic ankle pain. Now might be a good time to indulge yourself a little more. Maybe give your sweet tooth a treat and pick up some dark chocolate. You may even want to spice up your romantic life a bit. Pleasure may finally defeat pain!

12. Pain In Your Feet

When you're depressed, you might feel some foot pain.

Dr. Adaobi Anyeji, a California-based clinical psychologist says that “When one is depressed, they often have negative self talk that contributes to… bodily discomfort and exacerbates already present physical conditions.” Too much negativity and not enough joy may be what is causing that chronic foot pain. Aside from literally kicking up your feet to give them a break, you may want to try letting go of those negative feelings you are holding onto.

Appreciate and enjoy the little things. A more joyful life may soon take the place of a more painful life.